China has embarked on a charm offensive in Southeast Asia in the wake of the US’ “Liberation Day” tariffs. This is unlikely to allay concerns about its regional behaviour.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Will Trump Maintain the East Asian Power Balance?
Interpreting the US’ intentions for East and Southeast Asia, given the uncertainty unleashed by the present American leadership, is challenging but necessary. At stake is nothing less than the region’s strategic balance.
Vietnam’s New Revolution: Will Provincial Mergers Bring Disruptions or Opportunities?
If all goes well, Vietnam’s bold administrative reform to trim its local and provincial bureaucracy and governments could unleash more power in the country’s socioeconomic engines and secure its leader’s legacy. Teething problems can be expected, nonetheless.
US Tariffs and ASEAN Food Security: Turning Short-Term Pain into Long-Term Gain
Southeast Asia could use this disruption in food trade to strengthen collaboration, reduce dependency, and create a truly integrated regional market.
China’s Open-Source Revolution in Generative AI: Policy and Business Implications for Southeast Asia
China has led the way in providing ‘open weight’ large language models (LLMs) such as DeepSeek-R1. This means that governments and companies in Southeast Asia can access them more easily and cheaply.
The Geopolitical Risks of Malaysia’s Oil and Gas Fracas
Sarawak is embarking on a broad effort to reclaim full autonomy over its oil and gas sector from Putrajaya. But the risks might outweigh the benefits.
Xi’s Visit to Vietnam: It’s Not All About Trump
Hanoi’s welcome of the Chinese president amid the global tariff war is a harbinger of steadfast commitment to serving Vietnam’s national interests and development, rather than a picking of sides.
Are the Russians Coming to Indonesia?
Indonesia has put paid to rumours that Russia is seeking an air base in Papua. Still, Papua’s proximity to the US force presence in Guam and Australia gives Moscow a clear strategic interest in pursuing the idea.
Manufacturing Cruelty: Macaques Exploited by Content Farms for Profit in Vietnam
Some digital media companies are exploiting animals for profit in Vietnam. This needs to be curbed through active community policing and effective online moderation.
Philippine AI Governance: Time to Shift Gears
While acknowledging the importance of establishing a framework for AI governance, the Philippine government has not enacted relevant laws or introduced regulatory policies through executive action.